|
|
"We're working and talking to Time Warner," Silverman said. "We'll have an update hopefully in the next few weeks."
The biggest stumbling block was removed in June, when the network struck a deal with Comcast, the largest cable provider in the Midwest. That deal leaves Time Warner as the largest cable provider in Big Ten country that doesn't carry the network.
"Of course we're hopeful," Time Warner spokesperson Heidi Mock said. "Our last communication (from the corporate office) were that discussions were ongoing."
Ohio State's Aug. 30 opener against Youngstown State will be carried by the Big Ten Network. So will its Sept. 20 home game against Troy.
Washington update
Donald Washington is listed as the backup on Ohio State's preseason depth chart, behind Chimdi Chekwa.
Jim Tressel had said during the spring that Washington was trying to earn back his car keys after past transgressions. Apparently, Washington still isn't in the driver's seat.
"I can't say much, but he's working hard to get his car keys back," Tressel said Friday.
There is the possibility Washington could be suspended for the first two games, but he will most certainly be back by the time the Buckeyes really need him - Sept. 13 at USC.
Camera time
Malcolm Jenkins' recent trip to the Playboy mansion for the All-America team didn't end so well. Cameras caught him wearing a straw hat and vomiting outside the mansion.
"My stomach was acting up. I didn't even know there were cameras around," Jenkins said. "It was an enjoyable weekend."
Jenkins said a big misconception of the Playboy All-American team is that the trip to the mansion includes visits by playmates.
"There were no girls there at all," Jenkins said. "All guys."
Growing up fast
Illinois may not have had its storybook season last year had Ron Zook not changed his mind against Ohio State.
Late in the fourth quarter, Zook chose to punt on fourth down. The Buckeyes, though, called a timeout, during which Illini quarterback Juice Williams coerced his head coach to change his mind.
"We preach respect and trust, but it goes both ways," Zook said. "You have to be able to have enough confidence in them that you can trust them."
Williams converted the fourth-and-inches, preventing Ohio State from getting the ball back. The unranked Illini pulled off the stunning upset in Ohio Stadium and went on to play in the Rose Bowl.
"He was pretty much putting his career at stake," Williams said. "That shows you how much confidence he has in me. Seeing him do that, it lets the team know he's a player's coach. He believes in his team and his players. Doing that really lifted this program to where it is today."
Farewell tour
Joe Tiller's farewell tour has already started, since he announced at the end of last year that this season will be his last. Former Boilers assistant Danny Hope was brought back from Eastern Kentucky to serve as associate head coach this year. He will replace Tiller in 2009.
"This will be (season) No. 44 for me," Tiller said. "I'm probably as excited about this year as I was No. 1."
Running the bases
Spartans coach Mark Dantonio recently threw out the first pitch at a Tigers game, so he's in a baseball state of mind, despite the remarkable improvement his Michigan State team displayed in his first year.
The Spartans ended the year 6-6, but lost all six games by a touchdown or less. That has created plenty of optimism entering this season.
"We're on first base trying to get to second," Dantonio said. "First base was a bowl game for us. It's important to take a step forward, not a step back and move forward with a quest for a championship. I do believe that's where we're headed."
Michigan State is becoming the hot pick as the surprise team in the Big Ten this year, much like Illinois was last year.
"I'd take that," tailback Javon Ringer said. "They beat the No. 1 team in the country and went to the Rose Bowl. Shoot, I'd be happy with that. Definitely."
